The Secret to Faster Laser Cutting? Delivering Sheets Directly to the Machine

Laser cutting sheet metal is a cornerstone for industries like aerospace, construction, automotive, and defense. Yet, the efficiency of these processes can be significantly hindered without proper material storage and handling systems. Enter STEELSTACK sheet metal storage racks—engineered to simplify material movement, reduce downtime, and maximize productivity.

In this article, we dive into why speed matters in laser cutting and how STEELSTACK’s STACK MAX and STACK PRO systems can transform your operations.

Why Speed Matters in Laser Cutting

Meet Increasing Demand

In today’s competitive landscape, quick turnaround times and efficient production are vital. Industries like aerospace and automotive thrive on high-quality, fast product development. Speeding up your laser cutting process empowers you to meet tight deadlines and customer expectations without compromise.

Reduce Operational Costs

Laser cutting is efficient but energy-intensive, with machines consuming between 1.5 kW and 10 kW per hour. By increasing speed, you reduce machine runtime, leading to lower energy usage and reduced operational costs. The quicker the job, the greater your savings.

Reduce Operational Costs

While laser cutting is helpful in cutting sheet metals and creating a variety of metal products, it also has high ongoing costs. On average, laser cutters consume between 1.5 kW and 10 kW per hour.

This can vary as per the machine’s configuration, cutting process, and power rating, but it's still a lot. However, enhancing the speed of laser cutting processes helps you cut down on these costs. How?

High speed means laser cutters will complete their job quickly, reducing their overall running time. Hence, you will see less energy consumed and, of course, lower energy bills and overall operational costs.

Optimize Material Handling with Sheet Metal Storage Racks

SteelStack’s sheet metal storage racks revolutionize material handling. Here’s how:

• Quick Access: Fully extendable cassettes provide immediate access to materials, reducing manual labor and wasted time.

• Direct Transport: Integrated carts seamlessly transfer cassettes to laser machines, eliminating delays between storage and cutting.

Enhance Safety and Workplace Efficiency

Traditional manual handling of sheet metal increases the risk of workplace injuries. With STEELSTACK storage racks, materials are securely stored and easily accessible, promoting safety and efficiency while reducing downtime.

Statistics reveal that nearly three million workers die annually due to work-related accidents and diseases. You don't have to worry about injuries that are often associated with traditional manual sheet metal movement, creating a safe workplace environment.

Safety for Precision Operations

• Safe and organized storage reduces handling risks, materials are retrieved without bending or scratching. This is critical in laser cutting where any material deformation can cause cutting errors or equipment issues.

By incorporating sheet metal storage racks in the laser cutting workflow, you can get the most out of your cutting equipment, reduce setup and production time and get consistent results.

key Benefits of STEELSTACK’s Storage Racks

• Faster Setup: Organized storage minimizes material searching and machine downtime.

• Material Quality: Keep sheet metal flat, clean, and damage-free for precise cuts and fewer errors.

• Workflow Integration: Position racks near laser cutters for smooth material flow, and integrate with automated systems for hands-free operation.

• Streamlined Sorting: Sort materials by type and thickness for quicker job changes and reduced errors.

• Reduced Contamination Risks: Protect sheets from dust, grease, and debris, ensuring laser precision.

The STEELSTACK Advantage

Our racks are designed to handle 3,000 to 5,000 pounds per cassette, delivering unmatched durability and performance. By integrating STEELSTACK storage solutions into your workflow, you can:

• Reduce setup and production time.

• Maximize the efficiency of your laser-cutting equipment.

• Ensure consistent, high-quality results for every project.